Design Manager - Aviation - Senior

Gensler; San Francisco, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) plan with company contributions

Profit sharing and bonus opportunities

Job summary

Gensler is seeking an experienced Design Manager in the San Francisco area to lead aviation projects from concept to construction, guiding multidisciplinary teams toward innovative, high-performance design solutions.

The role emphasizes leadership, mentoring, client service, and collaboration across time zones to support a global aviation practice. Willingness to travel and manage complex programs is essential.

Qualifications

• Aviation project experience is required.
• Excellent project delivery and design management skills.
• Able to manage and optimize time to ensure projects are executed efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Manage all phases of design for large complex projects from scope through construction.
• Coordinate with directors, team members, clients and stakeholders to achieve design goals.
• Present design and technical solutions with the design team.

Skills

Aviation project experience

Leadership & mentoring

Client relationship management

Design management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture

Tools

Bluebeam Revu

Adobe Creative Suite

MS Office

Job description

Our Aviation team in San Francisco, CA and Seattle, WA is seeking an experienced Design Manager to collaborate with a talented studio of architects and designers in delivering innovative, high-performance design solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients.

As a Gensler Design Manager, you will serve as both a trusted client advisor and project leader, guiding multidisciplinary teams through the successful delivery of complex aviation projects from concept through construction. You will leverage your industry expertise, technical knowledge, and leadership skills to drive project success while fostering strong client relationships and ensuring design excellence.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who thrives in a dynamic environment, is passionate about mentoring and developing team members, and is committed to delivering exceptional client service. Your dedication to innovation, teamwork, and professional growth makes Gensler the ideal place to build and advance your career.

Opportunities to support aviation projects locally in both San Francisco and Seattle, as well as support aviation opportunities nationally and internationally. Willingness to travel and work across time zones to support our “one firm firm” culture is a plus.

What You Will Do

• Manage all phases of design throughout project scope for large complex architectural projects, including project set-up and entitlements, design and construction administration
• Coordinate with Studio Directors, Design Directors, Technical Directors, project team members, clients and other project stakeholders to execute realization of project design goals
• Present design and technical solutions in collaboration with the larger design team
• Lead communication between project team, clients, vendors, contractors, consultants, and building and permitting officials
• Create and communicate clear and attainable project objectives and project requirements
• Assist in the allocation of staff to specific tasks within the overall project scope
• Manage project scheduling, budgets, and Start Smart set up with clients, sub-contractors, vendors and consultants
• Prepare project work-plans and manage a range of team sizes, comprised of architects, interior designers, job captains and consultants
• Serve as the main point of contact for clients; lead client and stakeholder meetings
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with the General Contractor / Builder community
• Actively manage, track and be accountable for financial performance of projects
• Prepare proposals, negotiate contracts and fees, coordinate bidding process, partner with Project Accountant to support invoicing
• Ensure projects conform to contract requirements
• Manage client expectations, team communication and oversight of consultant coordination
• Establish and maintain ongoing, productive client relationships
• Actively contribute to office activities, initiatives and learning programs

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture is preferred
• 15+ years of project experience in an architectural or engineering practice on large complex projects
• Aviation project experience is required
• Excellent project delivery and design management skills
• Experience with Design-build and Progressive Design Build delivery methods are is a plus
• Able to accurately assess project status, anticipate problems and proactively make a plan to manage the unexpected in a controlled manner
• Communicate project information in a clear, complete and explicit manner up and down the organization with clients, studio/office leaders, team members and other project stakeholders
• Confident, assertive communicator who has the courage to challenge others, and initiate and drive ideas and solutions forward
• Able to manage and optimize time to ensure projects are executed efficiently and on schedule
• Able to prioritize and delegate tasks effectively to the appropriate team member
• Proficiency in creating workplans, schedule design and production work, manage staffing and managing fees for large complex projects
• Experience with building subconsultant teams including small and local businesses
• Experience with Bluebeam Revu, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), and MS Office
• Working knowledge of building codes, standards, building construction, and building structures
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainability and sustainable building practices; Portfolios will ideally include at least one project (especially built projects with LEED, Living Building Challenge, WELL Building Standard, Fitwel, and/or Net Zero Building certification) with this particular focus
• Registered architect, or near completion of exams, PMP, DBIA and/or LEED AP are preferred

This is not a remote role.

*The base salary range is estimated between $150,000 - $180,000, plus bonuses and benefits, and is contingent on experience and qualifications.

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Awareness Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and

All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state and local law.

Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with federal, state and local law.

Gensler endeavors to make gensler.com/careers accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us .

Regarding Gensler’s approach to recruiting new talent, we will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with Gensler to review available information on recruitment fraud . Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by someone falsely representing Gensler should email [e-mail] .

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Area of Expertise: Mixed Use + Retail Centers

Area of Expertise: Mixed Use + Retail Centers

Area of Expertise: Mixed Use + Retail Centers

Area of Expertise: Professional Services

Job Category: Applications and Digital Design